New baby

[kenny]

Wewechew, I'll take a pic soon.

While there are characteristics common to certain parrot species, they certainly are individuals.


I feel very strongly that how a parrot "turns out" is mostly dependent of the owner.
The more you learn the more you can adjust your home, your family, and your behavior to what is good for your wild-animal guest..

 

[lyra]

Two birds raised together will likely bond with each other. They will not necessarily bond to you though. One bird (only child bird) will likely bond with you, or someone else in the household. You can never be sure. It won't necessarily like any other bird you bring home, but it could. Just not a certainty. Birds are very quirky in their affections, not to mention when they get hormonal at times. I still love them and would have one if I could.

Kenny, you're always the best pet parent. Darn ungrateful bird! Haha. At least he/she isn't aggressive toward your SO, and you are stilled loved.

 

[Wewechew]

@kenny I have the same problem you do, my husband has a tendency to "steal" our dogs' affections. I guess it could be worse, they could all hate him

 

[kenny]

Two birds raised together will likely bond with each other. They will not necessarily bond to you though. One bird (only child bird) will likely bond with you, or someone else in the household. You can never be sure. It won't necessarily like any other bird you bring home, but it could. Just not a certainty. Birds are very quirky in their affections, not to mention when they get hormonal at times. I still love them and would have one if I could.

Kenny, you're always the best pet parent. Darn ungrateful bird! Haha. At least he/she isn't aggressive toward your SO, and you are stilled loved.

So true.
And glad you mentioned parrots getting hormonal, a huge subject all parronts (lol) should research.

 

[soxfan]

Please research this.
Perhaps it's better to get two that grow up together, I don't know ... but ...

I read several places that adding a second bird often results in them becoming enemies, particularly when it challenges a bond with the human.
Like wild animals they might compete (read fight) for who gets the chosen "mate".

Parrots are monogamous and often develop a favorite human in the family.
But they can also switch loyalties, sometimes to a family member who wants nothing to do with the bird.
Bibi considered me to be his "mate" till my SO walked in the door: Bibi immediately took to him.

Now Bibi's only affectionate with me when my SO is not in the building.
When SO is home or we are out at a bird-friendly bar or restaurant Bibi usually wants to be surgically grafted to him might, and I risk getting a painful bite if I so much as hug my SO when Bibi's on his shoulder.
It reminds me of a body guard.
I don't scold Bibi for this or try to train it away.
I do my best to accept what is natural for a wild animal, since I've forced it to live in an unnatural situation.

So strong is Bibi's obsession with SO that when SO went to work Bibi would search the house in a panic, screaming, looking for SO.
Now, when SO has to leave Bibi and I stand in the driveway and watch his car drive away.
I swear, as the car backs out of the driveway Bibi will actually say, "Stop It! Come Here!".
When his car is out of sight Bibi is immediately calm and once again affectionate with me.
I'm second fiddle now, and that's fine.

I'm not saying a playmate addition won't work, but there's no guarantee.
It's a risk.
Birds have even been known to attack or even kill the newcomer "playmate".
Lots of wild animals compete to the death for a "mate".

I've read some people have had to put the two cages in different rooms and never let both birds into the same room.
Or, they have to rehome the new bird, additional trauma for the poor thing.

I always keep in mind my fid (kid spelled with an F) will always be 99% a wild animal, even though very tame and a hand-fed baby.
Actually for me, the challenge of learning about the culture/society they are wired for, and adapting to these intelligent creatures is a big part of their charm.
It's deeply rewarding when you're successful building a trusting relationship with a parrot.

In contrast with a parrot, getting a dog to love you is easy, as illustrated by this very un-PC joke:
If you locked your wife and your dog in your trunk for an hour, when you let them out your dog would just be happy to see you.

That's good to know! One will probably be all I can handle anyway. LOL!